Introduction

Styled Layer Descriptors (SLDs) are used as a mechanism to standardize data symbology across partner data layers with the express purpose of constructing a national "blanket" from the "quilt" of partner Web Map Services (WMS). SLDs function as an extension of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) WMS specification to enable applications to override service-provided symbols with a customized symbol, based on feature attributes. The creation of SLDs requires a conceptual mapping between source data attributes and the desired standard symbol set. Once the initial attribute mapping is complete, the blanket construction is automatic. SLDs do not disturb the original data or existing applications that use different symbols. The effect of SLD implementation is the display of consistent symbols across political boundaries, creating the illusion of a true national map.

Technical Information

• Consistent Symbology forThe National Map (PowerPoint™ presentation)


• Introduction to Styled Layer Descriptors (1/05) A technical discussion of SLDs (PDF format)


• Styled Layer Descriptor Specification Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) SLD Specifications (PDF format)


• Styled Layer Descriptor (SLD) Schema Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) for attribute-to-symbol mappings that allow symbols to be applied at application run time (PDF format)

Partners with SLD enabled WMS

• Arkansas (RNMP-CAST)
• Charleston County, SC
• Fort Smith, AR
• Iowa Department of Transportation (IA DOT)
• Kansas Data Access and Support Center (DASC)
• Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS)
• Minnesota Land Management Information Center (LMIC)
• Oklahoma GEO
• Richland County, SC (RC GEO)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

Other SLD enabled WMS

• Geographic Data Technology (GDT) Dynamap 1000
• Denali National Park Satellite Imagery
• GNIS/ Atlas State Boundaries

Support

• Geopartner Forum A moderated discussion forum for partners and other organizations that contribute to The National Map.
• For any type of technical assistance or Catalog-related question, contact the USGS Catalog Support Team at usgscatalog@usgs.gov.
• For SLD-related assistance, contact John Murphey at jmurphey@usgs.gov or Arthur Eckerson at aeckerso@usgs.gov.